Prominent local dentist killed in fiery crash

By Maru OpabolaStaff writer

Published: Friday, April 5, 2013 at 1:19 p.m.

Last Modified: Friday, April 5, 2013 at 9:27 p.m.

A 44-year-old Gainesville dentist was killed early Friday morning when, authorities said, he crashed his car into a garage door, into a parked vehicle in the driveway and into a nearby tree stump, igniting a fire that consumed the vehicle, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Dentist Thomas Weber died in the fiery crash, which occurred in a private driveway at 7205 NW 47th Court at about 1:10 a.m., according to an FHP media release.

Weber had gone to his parents' home, but they were not there at the time, Pace told The Sun. On Friday night, investigators were continuing to look at what led to the crash.

Weber, a Gainesville native, graduated from Eastside High School's International Baccalaureate Program in 1987. He earned a bachelor's degree from Holy Cross College in Worcester, Mass., and received his dental degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry in 1995.

Weber's wife, Dr. Ann Weber, is an internal medicine physician at North Florida Regional Medical Center, where she serves as chief medical officer. The Webers have three young children.

Thomas Weber, who maintained a private dental practice in the Millhopper area, served for the ethics peer-review board for the Alachua County Dental Association and participated in volunteer delivery of community dental services.

Thomas Weber was also on staff at North Florida Regional Medical Center and was an official team dentist for the Florida Gators.

<p>A 44-year-old Gainesville dentist was killed early Friday morning when, authorities said, he crashed his car into a garage door, into a parked vehicle in the driveway and into a nearby tree stump, igniting a fire that consumed the vehicle, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.</p><p>Dentist Thomas Weber died in the fiery crash, which occurred in a private driveway at 7205 NW 47th Court at about 1:10 a.m., according to an FHP media release.</p><p>Witnesses say Weber was driving erratically before the crash, FHP said.</p><p>The car, a 1998 Acura, caught fire after the driveway collisions and Weber was unable to get out, FHP reported.</p><p>"It's very unfortunate. It's a real mystery right now," said FHP Sgt. Tracy Pace.</p><p>Weber had gone to his parents' home, but they were not there at the time, Pace told The Sun. On Friday night, investigators were continuing to look at what led to the crash.</p><p>Weber, a Gainesville native, graduated from Eastside High School's International Baccalaureate Program in 1987. He earned a bachelor's degree from Holy Cross College in Worcester, Mass., and received his dental degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry in 1995.</p><p>Weber's wife, Dr. Ann Weber, is an internal medicine physician at North Florida Regional Medical Center, where she serves as chief medical officer. The Webers have three young children.</p><p>Thomas Weber, who maintained a private dental practice in the Millhopper area, served for the ethics peer-review board for the Alachua County Dental Association and participated in volunteer delivery of community dental services.</p><p>Thomas Weber was also on staff at North Florida Regional Medical Center and was an official team dentist for the Florida Gators.</p>